Yesterday, I wrote about what I call No Trade Deals, which are deals many dealerships in my area seem to be offering these days when potential cash buyers don’t have a trade in.  I believe this is because with so many older model gas guzzlers sitting on the lots already, dealerships seem pleased when a trade isn’t on the table and thus have been offering sweet deals on new or used cars to cash buyers.  These days, and because of the economy and soaring fuel prices, your older model trade in may not make much of a difference simply because dealerships are already overstocked with older models or those which aren’t fuel efficient.

So, what can you do with an older model vehicle you no longer drive, has no trade in value and has probably seen better days?  While you can attempt to sell it to a private buyer at a fair price, if it’s in need of some repairs, isn’t the classiest ride on the block  or you can’t even pay your best friend to take it off your hands, don’t despair – you can donate it to charity!

There are many charitable organizations to choose from – most in desperate need of vehicles – so this could be your best choice and you’re giving back to your community, too. What could be better?  Besides, when you donate your vehicle to charity, the organization will usually pick it up (whether it’s running or not) and don’t forget – your donation is tax deductible!

Here are some community charities to consider:

Animal Shelters/Rescue Leagues
If you’re an animal lover, you can donate your vehicle to an animal rescue organization, such as the Animal Friends Rescue Project or a local humane society or animal shelter in your area.

Groups/Organizations

Contact the Boys and Girls Club, Family Crisis or Emergency Centers,  a local shelter for women and children, your local YMCA, youth groups and youth shelters or any church in your area.

Specialty Organizations

You can also donate to organizations such as The American Council of the Blind, Goodwill, United Way, Disabled Veterans and The American Red Cross.

Finding a new home for your used vehicle is as close as your phone or internet connection.  Look in your phone book under Charities or Community Organizations or you can do an internet search for these organizations in your area. You can also use your search engine to type in Car Donations or Cars for Charity since many web sites allow you to search for organizations by state.

Have you donated a car to charity?

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